NCJ Number
109790
Date Published
1985
Length
308 pages
Annotation
This study tests the assumption that a large number of inmates who are pregnant while imprisoned are at high risk for poor pregnancy outcome.
Abstract
It presents the needs assessment for 464 inmates imprisoned in 3 California facilities -- the Santa Rita Rehabilitation Center, the California Institution for Women, and the California Rehabilitation Center. A three-part data collection instrument was designed: (1) a bi-lingual (English-Spanish) survey, (2) a followup verbal interview, and (3) an analysis of inmate medical records. Survey results indicated that 29 of the respondents were pregnant at the time of the survey, and 81 had been pregnant in the last 21 months. The majority of these women were ethnic minorities, most were in the child-bearing years (20 to 34 years old), and few were married. Almost three-quarters of the women reported having at least one serious health problem, and incarceration was described by some women as affecting pregnancy. Statistically significant relationships existed between pregnancy complications and three variables: having received prenatal care, being a recipient of welfare or public assistance, and experiencing a miscarriage. At all three correctional facilities, inmates described the health care providers as insensitive and unresponsive to inmates' health needs. Study findings revealed that early identification of pregnancy did not routinely occur. All three sites lacked health care plans and case management systems for perinatal care. High-risk identification was erratic, although required tests were reported as routine parts of obstetrical exams. As presently constituted, the penal health care systems studied do not meet nationally accepted standards in perinatal care. Eight specific recommendations are offered to improve this situation. 62 footnotes, 25 tables, 2 graphs, and appended materials.